Picking the right fishing lodge for you!

Packages in British Columbia vary from high-end, pricier packages, to smaller do-it-yourself camps. Finding the right fit for your needs will ensure a stress-free and enjoyable trip. Choosing the right one may be challenging - Here are some considerations you may find helpful. The following is derived from over 35 years of questions and concerns our guests have shared.

Where to start?

Has everyone in your group committed to the trip and the dates decided? Cancelations can happen when guests don’t double-check their calendars, or weren’t all that interested in fishing to begin with! Ensure everyone is fully committed prior to booking. Other things to think about:

• Does anyone have motion sickness?

• Is it possible you or someone else might be called away for work?

• Health issues and considerations

• Triple checking your calendar to ensure nothing overlaps

Although we try our best to accommodate cancelations and date changes, it might not always be possible. Do your due diligence by checking in with your friends, family or colleagues who are accompanying you prior to booking your trip.

Questions about Fishing accommodations that will help make the right decision for you!

Where to go?

There are a few fishing lodges in BC that fish both fresh and salt waters, although we refer primarily to Saltwater Lodges in this post. Lodges are often recommended via word of mouth - Consider confirming the relayed information prior to booking if, for example, certain fish cannot be fished during the time of your trip. Things may have changed since the person who referred you was there! Next to consider is typically cost - Packages differ and it’s important to double check what is included. Typically, the price quoted is per person and does not include taxes, tips, or flights from your destination. Be prepared to ask the right questions so you are able to pick the right BC fishing lodge for you and your guests. Other things to consider:

• Is this a fly-in lodge?
  Can you drive directly to the lodge? Or will you need to access the lodge via float plane or boat? This can come at an extra cost. If it is a fly-in lodge, you’ll need to know when to arrive to the pick-up location and when you’ll need to leave the lodge. What is the cancelation policy if your group cannot fly-out on time?

• Accommodation
  Are accommodations mixed or private? Mixed is great for dining and entertainment, but solitude might be what you’re after if holding a meeting or needing to relax alone after a long day on the water with company.

• All meals
  including breakfast, lunch or boxed lunch as well as dinner. Can allergies to certain foods be handled Gluten Free. What is included in the box lunches.

• Fully Guided and Experienced
  Will your trip be guided? Can your group run a boat, bait, use a down rigger or manage motor issues? Both safety and fishing success are impacted when having an experienced guide on board.

• What type of fish can I catch?
  King Salmon (Chinook), Silvers (Coho) are the main target as well as Halibut, Lingcod and Rock Cod. Other salmon that may be in the area at certain times are Pink, Chum and Sockeye on the Coast. Again, this depends on limits and what can be fished at certain times based on regulations set by The Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Find out in advance to avoid disappointment!

• Are the following included?
  At Silver King Lodge, your fishing license, gear tackle, bait, ice, fuel, boat, rain gear, and fish bags (excluding vacuum packaging) are included at no extra cost.

• How many hours on the water
  You’ll usually spent 4-5 hours out on the water for a half day, and 8-10 for a full day of fishing, depending on the location.

• Do you have to run your own boat?
  Do you have the necessary licenses to captain? Are you comfortable navigating in unexpected weather conditions on the West Coast?

• Processing
  How will the fish be handled when getting off the water? Will you need to arrange the processing and packing? At Silver King, we bag and box fish, or can transport to the processor for you. Consider your options - canning, smoking and vacuum packaging is available, as well as shipping at additional cost.

• What is there to do at night?
  What’s the typical trip schedule, and what are the options for entertainment away from the Lodge?

• What do I bring?
  The basics! Comfortable shoes, a light jacket, sunglasses and hat. If you’re spending a full day out on the water you want to ensure you have appropriate sun protection including sunscreen! If you prefer to bring your own rain gear there are many options on the market, otherwise we provide gear for you at no additional cost.

• Tips
  What is an appropriate tip, and how do we provide it?

Fishing Guides

Guides are typically experienced, informative, and friendly. Their goal is to have you limit out on the fish you want to catch, and make sure you have a great time doing it! If a situation arises where you think you may need a different guide, check in with Management.

Inside Staff

Different lodges have different staffing, but typically there is a chef, servers, and housekeepers. You may also run into dock staff, drivers, fish processors, air crew, front desk, and a host of other behind-the-scene workers such as mechanics. Considering tipping policies when choosing your BC Fishing Lodge - Are you able to ensure your guide or a staff member who enhanced your experience receives a direct tip? This may not be the case at all lodges. You’ll also want to ask if you need money on hand for tipping, or if you can add a percentage onto your bill.

Have a good time!

In most cases trips run without a hitch - but just like with anything, issues can arise unexpectedly! Problem resolution is the accountability of management, and you should feel confident they will make all attempts to remedy any problems or concerns. Don’t hesitate to voice your opinions and share your feedback right away so staff can ensure you have an enjoyable stay. Some say fish can tell if a boat is stressed out or relaxed - So sit back, put your feet up, take in the scenery and enjoy your vacation!

Other considerations you may want to ask prior to booking:

• What happens if I do not get along with my guide?

• What happens if the boat breaks down?

• What is the policy if other guests not in our party are too noisy or disruptive?

• Does the Lodge use a generator for power? How noisy is it?

• Is alcohol included with meals? Can I bring it on the boat?

• What is the tipping policy?

• I have food allergies or sensitivities - How can these be accommodated?

• Where is the nearest hospital in case of an emergency? What are the first aid qualifications of staff if it is not possible to get to a hospital right away?

• What happens if flights are grounded when it’s time to leave - How do I get home?

Cancelation Policy

Every lodge has a cancelation policy in place, though they may differ. It’s important to know what happens if your plans change unexpectedly - Do you forfeit a percentage of your booking, or the total?

• What is the cancelation policy?

• What happens if you’ve made a deposit, and the lodge shuts down?

• How early do I need to let the Lodge know if I have to cancel or change the date?

• What is the refund policy due to medical issues?

• Can I transfer the date?

• Can I transfer my deposit to someone else?

• What happens if there is bad weather and we cannot get off the dock?

• What happens if I need to leave the trip early?

Our BC Fishing Lodges Policy

Silver King Lodge is at an advantage in terms of location. We are close to the core of Campbell River, dining and nightlife, the hospital, and have 2 airports in close proximity. In our area we have the luxury of fishing both sides of Vancouver Island. Our lodge has private sections for each group.

• Cancelation. If for some reason you cannot make it, we will move your date to later into the season where dates are available (May-Oct), or to the next season in the following year.

• Several flights a day connecting to major airlines from Vancouver and Calgary with US and International carriers, and you can drive directly to the Lodge.

• Full services cable and internet

• Full service amenities (separate washroom and showers from other groups)

• Children 14 or older (please contact the Lodge if you are hoping to bring along a younger guest)

• With advanced notice, we can meet your dietary needs

• Fully guided boats, tackle, bait, fuel, licenses, rain gear, 24 Ft Cruisers (marine head on board) packaging of fish for flight, and ground transfers from local airports in Comox and Campbell River are all included in your package.

• Private Accommodations with all-inclusive meals, non-alcoholic beverages, ice, and snacks

• We have access to boat mechanics in our area as well as other charter operators in case of an issue

• Groups have separate sleeping, dining and entertainment areas - so issues with other guests are rare

• Minutes from pristine areas on the inside passage and inlets to the west side of the island in open water in Nootka Sound

At the end of your trip:

It’s the end of a great time out on the water. Confirm if your catch is coming with you or if it’s going to be processed and shipped. Track your fish as you travel! Packed correctly (gel packs for flight) your fish should be good for at least a day depending on time spent out on the tarmac. If shipped, ensure there is someone at home to receive your fish!

Problems and issues are rare, but anticipating what questions should be asked up front can ensure a smooth vacation with no surprises.

Have a great trip!